About
Drosera slackii is a perennial carnivorous plant, producing pandurate or guitar-shaped leaves, up to 4cm long on a short stem. A single or rarely double inflorescence to 40cm (16in) in height is produced in spring bearing deep pink, single flowers, 5-6cm (2-2½in) across. Leaves are green assuming a reddish-hue in high light and covered with red, sticky, glandular hairs, which trap and digest insect prey.
About the genus
Drosera, commonly known as the sundews are one of the largest genera of carnivorous plants. They are perennial or (more rarely) annual, upright herbaceous plants forming either prostrate or upright rosettes, and can live for up to 50 years.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in a mix of equal parts fertiliser-free peat substitute and sand, in full light, although may need shading from hot midday sun in summer. The compost should be kept continually moist to wet during the growing season by standing the container in a tray of lime-free water, such as rainwater or Reverse Osmosis water. Keep just moist during the winter and do not stand the plants in water. Do not apply fertiliser at all through the year. Minimum temperatures should be no lower than 5C in the winter. In lower temperatures the plant may die back to the roots, but sometimes regenerates again in the spring. For further information see Carnivorous plant cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed as soon as ripe. Stored seed rapidly loses viability. Leaf cuttings during the growing season and root cuttings taken when dormant are alternative methods of propagation
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free